Police, fire unions endorse expanded gaming measure

Do you favor the expansion of commercial gaming in the State of Maryland for the primary purpose of raising revenue for education to authorize video lottery operation licensees to operate “table games” as defined by law; to increase from 15,000 to 16,500 the maximum number of video lottery terminals that may be operated in the State; and to increase from 5 to 6 the maximum number of video lottery operation licenses that may be awarded in the State and allow a video lottery facility to operate in Prince George’s County?

For the Additional Forms and Expansion of Commercial GamingAgainst the Additional Forms and Expansion of Commercial Gaming

BALTIMORE -- Opponents of ballot Question 7 embarked on a final push to convince voters Saturday, the same day the expanded gambling measure received an endorsement from Maryland's police and fire unions.

In the final days before the general election, opponents traveled the state by bus in an attempt to persuade would-be voters to reject the measure.

Question 7 would allow 24-hour operations, add table games to existing slots casinos, permit a sixth casino to be built in Prince George's County and provide a tax break to casino operators should the sixth site be approved.

"Even if you're for gambling and you love gambling, this expanded gambling bill is going to be pushed through with Question 7. It's bad for the state and bad for Maryland," said Baltimore City Delegate Jill Carter, D-District 41.

While supporters say the measure will raise revenue for education, opponents from the Baltimore area questioned the claims of millions of dollars in extra revenue from expanded gambling.

The promised money from expanded gaming is slated to go to the state's education trust fund, but whether it will increase how much money the state actually spends on education remains in dispute.

"Our education fund is not going to be expanded. It can't be expanded according to law unless they put provisions in the bill to make those changes, and they have not done that," Forest Heights Mayor Jacqueline Goodall said.

Police and fire union officials point to the measure's benefits, saying, "All of us in public safety know that we have been struggling with staffing needs in recent years. This is a common sense initiative that will generate additional revenues for our state and for Prince George's County."

Those opposed to the measure also believe a Prince George's County casino could take business and jobs away from the soon-to-be built casino near M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. Supporters dispute that contention.

Under current law, Maryland casinos must close at 2 a.m. on weeknights and 4 a.m. on weekends. If Question 7 passes, casinos could remain open 24 hours, and estimates indicate that could increase total revenue by as much as $40 million in the next fiscal year.